Definition of prickly pear

The common name "prickly pear" is derived from the physical characteristics of the plant itself. The fruit of the cactus, also known as a tunas or pears, resembles a pear in shape but is covered with spiny, sharp, and flat segments called globids, which are modified hairs that function as a defense mechanism to deter herbivores. The spines are not true thorns but instead are part of the plant's stem or fruit. The English term "prickly pear" is a translation of the Spanish "tuna espina" or "tuna de lechedora," which refers to the juicy and sweet fruit's tendency to release a milky sap when cut or punctured. The Spanish name originated in the 16th century when the plant was introduced to the New World by the Spanish explorers, who named it after its unique pear-like fruit and the spines that cover it. The scientific name of the plant is Opuntia, a genus that includes over 200 species of cacti found mainly in the Americas. Prickly pears are popular in many cultures due to their nutritional values and medicinal properties, and they have been cultivated for centuries for food, water, and fiber production.